AN aggressive and antisocial shoplifter has been banned from supermarkets, including every Co-op in Worcestershire and every shop in Pershore.

David Gubbins of Barbourne Road, Worcester, has been made subject to a three year criminal behaviour order and banned from several supermarkets, including Tesco in the city's |London Road, every shop in Pershore and every Co-op in the whole county.

The order, designed to curb his offending, prohibits him from behaving in an antisocial manner (in a manner that causes alarm harassment or distress to others). This includes, but is not limited to, him acting aggressively, being obstructive to shop staff when challenged, entering any retail premises within Pershore, entering Tesco Express in London Road, Worcester, entering any Co-op within Worcestershire and entering Swan Lane, Evesham. If he breaches the terms of the order he faces up to five years in prison.

We reported last month how the 41-year-old was charged with 10 thefts and breaches of a criminal behaviour order but turned up drunk to court forcing magistrates to postpone the case.

PC Dee Stanley of the Pershore Town, Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This CBO granted against David Gubbins is a great outcome as he is a prolific shoplifter in Worcestershire and I hope that the conditions will allow him to reflect on and change his behaviour.

"CBOs are a useful tool available to the courts which can help the offender to cease further criminality and help protect residents and businesses.

"In this instance, the court agreed with our application for the order regarding a persistent offender who we continually have to deal with which takes away resources to those that genuinely require the help of officers.

"I would encourage anyone who witnesses the terms of such a court order being broken to contact the police immediately. The punishment for breaking the terms of a CBO can be up to five years in prison.”